Griffin was the No. 3 pick by the Lynx in the 2010 WNBA draft after being named a first-team NCAA All-American her senior season at Nebraska. She was traded to Connecticut on draft day and played 164 games with the Sun from 2010-14, averaging 4.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.

While the 6-foot-2 failed to become a household name in her native country, Griffin became a superstar overseas following a 2012 move to the Bendigo Spirit of the Australian Women’s National Basketball League. She led the Spirit to WNBL titles in 2013 and 2014, winning the Grand Finals MVP both times.

Griffin, 31, previously eyed a return to the WNBA prior to the 2018 season, but was waived by Connecticut in April due to an ankle injury. However, she returned to action in Australia with the Canbera, where she had arguably her best season as a pro by leading the Capitals to the league title and winning the league’s MVP award.

She told the Sydney Morning Herald she’s excited to be returning to Minnesota, where her mom’s family is originally from.

“For a lot of good reasons it feels like a good fit - some sentimental and some playing-wise, so it’s exciting,” said Griffin, a naturalized Australian citizen who also plays for that country’s national team.